Living beyond 100 years old is rare, but reaching 117 is almost unimaginable. Maria Branyas Morera, once recognized as the world’s oldest living person, spent more than a century witnessing history unfold around her. She lived through two World Wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and even COVID-19 — surviving challenges that spanned generations.
Despite global fascination with her age, Maria kept her explanation surprisingly simple. She believed longevity came from a combination of good genetics, emotional peace, healthy habits, and avoiding toxic people. But among all the things she mentioned, one daily habit stood out most: eating yogurt.
Maria called yogurt her “heavenly manna” and reportedly ate it every day for more than 20 years. She believed it helped support her health, digestion, and overall well-being. Modern research has also connected fermented foods like yogurt to benefits involving gut health, inflammation reduction, immune support, and healthy aging.
Her lifestyle reflected many habits shared by people living in the world’s “Blue Zones,” regions known for exceptional longevity. These habits include eating simple nutritious foods, staying active, maintaining strong social relationships, reducing stress, and finding joy in everyday life.
Of course, experts note that no single food guarantees a long life. Genetics and overall lifestyle matter greatly too. Still, Maria’s story reminds us that health does not always come from complicated routines or expensive trends. Sometimes the simplest habits — good food, meaningful relationships, and peace of mind — may matter the most.
